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The Islanders held their first practice of training camp today, as expected, newly-acquired forward Jordan Eberle was on the first line with John Tavares and Anders Lee.
“Chemistry is really important, I think, but things can change quickly during camp,” Eberle told Newsday after his first skate as an Islander. “I think camp is more about finding your individual game, finding that confidence you need for the season.”
Chemistry is certainly a key. Last season's projected first line of Tavares, P.A. Parenteau and Andrew Ladd played just one preseason game together, with Tavares away at the World Cup. That line didn't even make it to the regular season as Parenteau was unexpectedly waived on the eve of the first game and the first line of Tavares, Ladd and Jason Chimera was thrown together to face the New York Rangers. Both Chimera and Ladd struggled out of the gate and that line was quickly dissolved.
One of the things that stood out today was Brock Nelson on the wing with Anthony Beauvillier and Josh Ho-Sang. Nelson is likely to be the second line center. It's only the first day and should not read into anything. Nelson getting time on the wing is not because Matt Duchene is on his way.
The usual fourth line of Casey Cizikas centering Nikolay Kulemin and Cal Clutterbuck took the ice. Mathew Barzal, who is set to begin his first full professional season, centered Andrew Ladd and Josh Bailey.
Defensively, Nick Leddy was paired with Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews with Johnny Boychuk in group two.
Head coach Doug Weight outlined the coaching responsibilities for the season. Greg Cronin, the lone returning assistant, will run the penalty kill, which was ranked 11th last season. Kelly Buchberger and Scott Gomez will run the power play, which was ranked 28th last season. Gomez will be upstairs and be the eye in the sky. Luke Richardson will oversee the defense.
Isles open up the preseason Sunday against the Flyers at the Coliseum.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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